Henry Bonham (cricketer) facts for kids
Henry Bonham (born 1749, died 1800) was an English gentleman. He loved cricket and owned a lot of land. He even played one important cricket game for Hampshire. This was when the famous Hambledon Club organized matches.
Contents
Henry Bonham: A Life of Cricket and Land
His Early Life and Family
Henry was born in Petersfield, Hampshire. His family, the Bonhams, was well-known and wealthy. He had two brothers and two sisters.
A Passion for Cricket
Henry Bonham was very keen on cricket. He was a member of the Hambledon Club. This club was like an early version of the Hampshire Cricket Club. He held important roles there, serving as a Steward six times and also as Secretary.
In 1778, Bonham played one top-level cricket match. He played as a gentleman amateur, meaning he played for fun, not as a job. His team was Hampshire, and they played against Surrey.
A Landowner and Sheriff
In 1798, Henry bought a large estate called Buriton. He bought it from Lord Stawell. Before that, the famous historian Edward Gibbon had owned the estate.
Henry Bonham also held an important public role. He was appointed High Sheriff of Hampshire for the years 1794 to 1795. A High Sheriff was a very important official in a county. They were responsible for keeping the peace and enforcing laws.
His Later Life
Henry Bonham passed away in 1800. He was buried in a place called East Meon. After his death, the Buriton estate went to his brother Thomas. When Thomas died, he left the estate to his cousin, John Carter. John Carter then changed his name to Bonham-Carter.
External sources
- Henry Bonham at CricketArchive
